Compare the2024 Mazda CX-50VS 2024 Lexus NX

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the CX-50. But it costs extra on the NX.

Both the CX-50 and the NX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The Mazda CX-50 has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and an “Acceptable” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The NX is only a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2024, though it hasn’t yet been rated in the updated moderate overlap frontal test, a requirement for the “Top Safety Pick Plus” award.

There are over 2 times as many Mazda dealers as there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the CX-50’s warranty.

The CX-50 has more powerful engines than the NX:

As tested in Motor Trend the Mazda CX-50 turbo 4 cyl. is faster than the NX 350 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder:

On the EPA test cycle the CX-50 gets better mileage than the NX running its gasoline engine:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the CX-50 (except Turbo)’s fuel efficiency. The NX doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

Both the CX-50 Turbo and the NX have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. All CX-50 Turbo’s have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily. The NX 350h/450h+ doesn’t offer a way to disable start/stop.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mazda CX-50 uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended with the 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder engine for maximum performance). The NX 350 requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The CX-50 has 1.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the NX (15.9 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The CX-50 stops much shorter than the NX:

For better traction, the CX-50 Premium Plus/Turbo’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the NX (245/45R20 vs. 235/60R18).

The CX-50 Premium Plus/Turbo’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the NX’s optional 50 series tires.

The CX-50 has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the NX; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the CX-50’s wheelbase is 4.9 inches longer than on the NX (110.8 inches vs. 105.9 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the CX-50 is 1.9 inches wider in the front and 1.3 inches wider in the rear than the track on the NX.

The CX-50 2.5 Turbo handles at .87 G’s, while the NX 350 AWD pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.6 seconds quicker than the NX 450h AWD (26.8 seconds @ .63 average G’s vs. 28.4 seconds @ .57 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the CX-50’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the NX’s (36 feet vs. 38 feet).

For greater off-road capability the CX-50 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the NX (8.3 vs. 7.7 inches), allowing the CX-50 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The CX-50 Premium/Turbo’s minimum ground clearance is .9 inch higher than on the NX (8.6 vs. 7.7 inches).

As tested by Car and Driver while cruising at 70 MPH, the interior of the CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus is quieter than the NX 350 AWD (69 vs. 70 dB).

The CX-50 has .8 inches more front headroom, .7 inches more front legroom, .1 inches more rear headroom and 3.7 inches more rear legroom than the NX.

The CX-50 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the NX with its rear seat up (31.4 vs. 22.7 cubic feet). The CX-50 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the NX with its rear seat folded (56.3 vs. 46.9 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the CX-50 easier. The CX-50’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 28.4 inches, while the NX’s liftover is 30.8 inches.

The CX-50’s cargo area is larger than the NX’s in every dimension:

The CX-50’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the NX’s (2000 vs. 0 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Lexus NX is only 2000 pounds. The CX-50 offers up to a 3500 lbs. towing capacity.

The CX-50’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The NX’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Consumer Reports rated the CX-50’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the NX’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Mazda CX-50 will be $4940 to $5125 less than for the Lexus NX.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Mazda CX-50 and the Lexus NX, based on reliability, safety and performance.